KTBB News, Weather, Talk

SMITH COUNTY — Texas Baptist Men and the Northeast American Red Cross are ready to aid the people of Florida. According to our news partner KETK, Hurricane Ian made landfall Wednesday and damages have been seen throughout the west coast. The Red Cross is sending volunteers to help before. “In total we had about 500 members of the Red Cross from all across the nation there in Florida helping shelter 13,000 people,” said Doyle Rader, who handles communications for the Red Cross. Their number one priority is to help provide a warm, dry place for people to stay and fuel their basic needs. “The Red Cross has the resources and the personnel currently to house up to 60,000 people in shelter across the state of Florida,” said Rader. Continue reading East Texas nonprofits lending a hand for Storm Ian

EAST TEXAS — All counties in the NET Health survey area are now in the minimal spread range according to the health district’s latest COVID-19 dashboard. NET Health Monday reported 62 new cases of coronavirus in Smith County, where there are currently 5,445 active cases. In Gregg County, there were 29 new cases posted Monday, while the currently active total stands at 2,411. Tyler hospitals are now treating 40 coronavirus patients, the same number shown on the last report. For more information on COVID-19 in East Texas, click here.

MARSHALL — The Marshall Police Department wants area drivers to be aware of a change to the intersection of Highways 59 and 80. The outside lane of the intersection, marked by the diagonal white lines as shown in the accompanying photo, is now closed to northbound traffic. Officials point out that the white truck seen in the photo has failed to notice the white lines. The Texas Department of Transportation recently added these lines to indicate that drivers are not to use this area. Those who ignore the white lines and proceed northbound in the outside lane may be ticketed. The change was made to facilitate traffic flow and improve safety at this intersection, according to a news release.

BULLARD — The city of Bullard has rescinded a boil water notice that had been issued Monday. In posting the boil notice, the city cited “conditions which occurred recently in the public water system.” Officials now advise that the water has been deemed safe for consumption. You can click this link for further details.

LONGVIEW – Longview police say they apprehended a middle school student Tuesday evening on a charge of terroristic threat after a threat was made against Judson Middle School. According to our news partner KETK, officials said an investigation found a Longview Police school resource officer responded and removed the student from their classroom after determining they had made the threat. The resource officer then involved police detectives. The student was taken off school grounds and transported to the Gregg County Juvenile Detention Center. “The Longview Police Department will continue to investigate any and all threats at our school campuses to the fullest,” officials said in a prepared statement. “The appropriate charges will be filed.”

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department will be replacing their in-car camera systems, body-worn cameras, and Tasers. The City Council approved a $2,604,499.50 Statement of Work to provide similar equipment to all personnel and allow continuity of training with the new equipment, according to a news release. Officials say the agreement provides the police department with updated in-car cameras that have integrated license plate reader abilities, new body-worn cameras for each officer, unlimited video storage capabilities, upgraded Tasers for each officer, along with associated software, hardware, services, and warranties. Municipal court and fire department personnel will also be getting new equipment. Click this link for more details.

TYLER — The 2023 Tyler Cattle Barons’ Gala, benefiting the American Cancer Society, will be held on Saturday, June 10th, at the Texas Rose Horse Park. The event will be chaired by Sara and Ryan Nash. Organizers point to awareness and fundraising as two aspects of the event, saying the Tyler community hosts one of the top galas in the state. The gala is entering its 35th year. To date, over $17 million has been raised locally to support both local and national cancer support services including cancer research, according to a news release. Click here for more information.

TYLER — Tyler is growing at a rapid pace despite fears of a recession across the country. According to the Texas Work Force Commission, Tyler leads the state in job creation. According to our news partner KETK, the Workforce Commission shows last year, Austin added jobs at a 7% rate and the Tyler area added jobs at an 8.3 percent rate. “If you look at the raw numbers for as the direct jobs that were added in Smith County last year, it was over 8,000 primarily in the healthcare sector,” said Scott Martinez, CEO of Tyler’s Chamber of Commerce. The investment in the health care industry has been a driver in the community for years. This will continue with the new medical school scheduled to open in 2023. Continue reading Experts say Tyler leads the state in job creation

UPSHUR COUNTY — A Gladewater man was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated sexual assault of a child under 14 in an Upshur County court, officials said. 38-year-old Johnathan Blake Parker was sentenced as part of a plea bargain agreement with the state, according to Upshur County District Attorney Billy Byrd. According to our news partner KETK, the assault was reported on February 15, 2020, when deputies responded after Parker said he would kill himself after confessing to his wife that he had been molesting a child for three years. The release stated that he was arrested and taken to the Upshur County Jail, where he also admitted to the years-long sexual abuse. The release said that the state dismissed other counts for the same offense in return for a guilty plea from the defendant, a life sentence and waiving all appeals.

SMITH COUNTY – In an executive session on Tuesday, the Smith County Commissioners Court voted unanimously to appoint Wesley Hicks as the new interim constable for Smith County Pct. 5. According to our news partner KETK, Commissioner Phillips made a motion to appoint Hicks as interim Smith County Constable Pct. 5 and approve the necessary bond effective Oct. 6. The motion was second by Commissioner Hampton. Phillips said he received numerous calls, texts, and emails in support of Hicks from the Lindale constituents. Hicks was also recommended by the current Smith County Constable for Pct. 5, Jeff McClenny. Continue reading New interim constable for Smith County Pct. 5 has been announced

LONGVIEW — Crews from Longview and Texarkana are traveling to Florida to make repairs after Hurricane Ian makes landfall, according to our news partner KETK. “SWEPCO employees and contractors will be staged and ready to restore power for Florida residences and businesses once the storm passes,” SWEPCO vice president of Distribution Region Operations, Drew Seidel said. The Longview and Texarkana crews are among the more than 300 Southwestern Electric Power Company personnel heading to Orlando on Tuesday.

LONGVIEW — The City of Longview and the Longview Metropolitan Planning Organization will host a public meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 27, to update residents on an ongoing study of the East Loop 281 Corridor from Tryon Road to Page Road/Delia Drive. The meeting will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the East Texas Builders Association and Event Center on Alpine Road. Planners with Fort Worth-based Freese and Nichols will present their recommendations for the corridor and engage the public for additional feedback, according to a news release. Click here for further details.

BULLARD – A boil water notice was issued for some Bullard residents on Monday. According to our news partner KETK, customers from 1st to 3rd Street and from Ralson to Rather should boil their water — along with users on Spring Street and Rather Street between Ella and 3rd and Oak Street between Ella and 3rd street. People should follow these steps during the notice: Immediately stop consumption of tap water if you are in an affected area. Experts say that water should be brought to a rolling boil, boiled for two additional minutes after and cooled prior to use or consumption. Even if the water is filtered, it should still be boiled. Continue reading Boil water notice for part of Bullard

RUSK – Due to a main line break, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the Rusk Rural Water Supply Company public water system to notify all customers to boil their water prior to consumption. This includes washing hands/face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc. Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions, according to the utility. Go to this link for more details.

TYLER – The local Rotary International clubs are continuing to accept entries from public organizations, bands, and other groups to participate in the 2022 Rotary Clubs of Tyler Christmas Parade. The parade will be held in downtown Tyler and begin at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 1. The Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Square will serve as the finale. This year’s parade theme is “Imagine Rotary” and winners will be selected in six categories. This year parade organizers are asking each entry to pay a small entry fee to offset expenses. If you have questions about parade registration, contact Tiffany Damskov at tiffanydamskov@yahoo.com or 903-266-0376 or visit this link.